Variable cycle propulsion system with compressed air tapping for a supersonic airplane

Abstract

A variable cycle propulsion system for a supersonic airplane, the system comprising at least one engine having at least one compressor and capable of generating thrust for supersonic flight speeds, and at least one auxiliary propulsion assembly separate from said engine, and capable of generating additional thrust for takeoff, landing, and subsonic cruising speeds, at least one pipe connecting the engine to the auxiliary propulsion assembly to convey thereto compressed air produced by the compressor so as to enable the auxiliary propulsion assembly to generate additional thrust for takeoff, landing, and subsonic cruising flight, there being at least one valve enabling the pipe to be closed off for supersonic cruising flight.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a variable cycle propulsion system for a supersonic airplane making it possible firstly to obtain high thrust with a high bypass ratio during takeoff, landing, and subsonic cruising flight in order to greatly reduce noise during those stages of flight and to improve specific fuel consumption, and secondly to obtain a high exhaust speed adapted to supersonic cruising flight.[0002]More particularly, the invention relates to a propulsion system that has two different configurations: one configuration for takeoff, landing, and subsonic cruising flight; and another configuration for supersonic cruising flight.[0003]When designing a supersonic commercial airplane, there arises the particular problem of low airplane engine noise during takeoff, climbing, and landing. In order to be certified, all airplanes must nowadays comply with low noise regulations for takeoff and landing.[0004]Furthermore, supersonic airplane engines m...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This system reduces noise levels below 103 dB during takeoff and landing, increases thrust by 50% to 60%, minimizes drag during supersonic flight, and optimizes fuel consumption by adjusting bypass ratios, while maintaining conventional engine reliability and safety.

Problems solved by technology

When designing a supersonic commercial airplane, there arises the particular problem of low airplane engine noise during takeoff, climbing, and landing.

Various variable cycle engine designs are known, however varying the bypass ratio of such designs does not enable optimization to be good, both in the subsonic configuration and in the supersonic configuration.

The propulsion assembly is constituted by retractable high-bypass ratio booster turbojets, and that presents numerous drawbacks, in particular concerning bulk and weight for the airplane.

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